You've heard about free and reduced-priced breakfast and lunch, but how about school supper? Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is joining the Child Care Food Program, a federally funded effort to provide three meals a day to children from low-income families who also attend aftercare programs.

Supper will now be on the menu at six Broward County elementary schools. Beginning May 2, 2012, Castle Hill, Thurgood Marshall, Northside, Oakland Park, Park Lakes and Rock Island elementary schools will provide dinner to students.

Students enrolled in the aftercare program at participating schools will enjoy a nutritious early dinner before going home, as well as a snack if they are picked up later. Meals will include milk, fruits and vegetables, grains and breads and meat or meat alternate. The supper meals will meet USDA meal pattern requirements just as at breakfast and lunch.

The supper program is for children in low-income families who are at risk of not getting their daily nutritional needs met, said Mary Mulder, director of Food and Nutrition Services for BCPS, whose department is responsible for implementing the new program.

The schools aren't just serving up health meals and nutrition. Students will also receive help with homework and tutoring. To be eligible to provide the supper program, the school must have an aftercare program with an educational component, and at least half of students served must qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Only students enrolled in the aftercare program may participate in the supper program.

Too often, many students are concerned about what or if they will eat, rather than being concerned about their studies once they leave school. With students eating dinner at school, some of the financial burden of the family is eased during these touch economic times. During this school year, more than 60% of students in BCPS are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

"There is a need," said Mulder. "There are hungry families and hungry children in our community. Students may eat breakfast and lunch at school. However, for many families, resources are not available to provide a complete meal in the evening. This program is a safety net to assure that some of our neediest students eat a nutritious dinner as well."

The District will provide an estimated 1,200 dinner meals to students beginning May 2, 2012. The Food and Nutrition Services Department will evaluate the supper program provided at the pilot schools to develop a plan for the 2012/13 school year.

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.